Possible move from Verizon to AT&T Questions

[f150fan]

So I am really contemplating making the move from Verizon to AT&T. A GSM phone would be a lot easier to deal with as far as the possibility of using a true Nexus device, not my Verizon 'Fake" Galaxy Nexus, as well as other things too. Most people I know use AT&T as well. I have a couple questions for you all. First, the phone. I was looking for suggestions on what device to actually use if I do make the switch. I was thinking first about the Nexus 4. Then I started to kick around possibly about the HTC One or the GS4. Man, I do love me some stock Android though, and updates straight from Google. Second, how has AT&T been for you? Basically, how was customer service? How has your connections been? Been a good experience or a bad one? Any incite into this would be greatly appreciated. It has been a little while since I have been on here and look forward to it again. Thanks!!

 

[cgardnervt]

So I am really contemplating making the move from Verizon to AT&T. A GSM phone would be a lot easier to deal with as far as the possibility of using a true Nexus device, not my Verizon 'Fake" Galaxy Nexus, as well as other things too. Most people I know use AT&T as well. I have a couple questions for you all. First, the phone. I was looking for suggestions on what device to actually use if I do make the switch. I was thinking first about the Nexus 4. Then I started to kick around possibly about the HTC One or the GS4. Man, I do love me some stock Android though, and updates straight from Google. Second, how has AT&T been for you? Basically, how was customer service? How has your connections been? Been a good experience or a bad one? Any incite into this would be greatly appreciated. It has been a little while since I have been on here and look forward to it again. Thanks!!

1) What device should you get? Just get a Nexus 4. Stay away from silly contracts if you can. Further more if you wanna skinny down your bill even more just get the 450 minutes and 3 gigs of data and use Google Voice for texting. Saves you about $25 a month in savings. Total bill for me is around $62.57. Only add more data if you need it.

2) I left Sprint for att. SO far its been great! I travel a lot on the road. Vermont with HSPA+ I get about 6-10 megs down. On their 4G LTE in the Ohio/Boston areas you get around 15-20megs down. But I could live with just HSPA+ to be honest. Its plenty fast IMO. Signal is great all around!

3) Customer service - Its been great. No complaints. If I have called them they have taken care of my issues. (With what little I have had.)

So over all the move has been good for me. It does cost a little bit more but with the switch in Google Voice it has saved me about $20 off of my old Sprint bill! SO you gotta really do your homework and then make it work for you. Otherwise it will run you around $90 a month I think for most users. Try them out! Grab a Nexus and enjoy pure Google. I will be doing that for my next phone. However Samsung makes some good devices if you wanna save some cash.

 

[f150fan]

Thanks for the reply. I'm more than likely going to have to do the contract because my fianc? will also be on the account. I think I'm leaning towards the Nexus mainly because I don't want the carrier to have their grubby little hands all over the software updates. I do think that AT&T does a better job nowadays getting updates out to their customers, but I also think they don't mess with them as much as Verizon does. That could also be a good thing. It would make getting a carrier locked device a little easier to do again. If anyone else has any incite I would be interested in hearing it. Thanks again!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Slingbox]

hmm the nexus way of thinking is a bit overrated now a days..
If your going Android seriously take a look at the GN2.
Root the device enjoy international lte custom roms = twice the updates Google provides.
Example would be GN2 DMC3 base /Kernel released for LTE international.
2 - 3% battery loss in 8 hour sleep , 6.5 hour screen on time............I could go on & on

 

[f150fan]

While I used to root my devices I have since gotten away from it. I really have no need to root anymore, nor the desire. This is why I like stock Android. If I want to change anything I usually just download a launcher and change things that way. I really have no need to root anymore. I have used Android for a long time. Android on Verizon can be really good but updates take forever, hence the rooting. With a true Nexus device I can now have updates regularly without carrier interference. That speaks to me. I have no problem using a device that has a different UI as long as the updates come quicker rather than later. Samsung has been doing good with that as of late. Just my thoughts.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Jon_Doh]

I had Verizon and it was the worst experience I've ever had with a cell phone carrier. Dropped calls, gaps in coverage and horrible customer service. With AT&T the coverage is better where I'm at and the data is very fast, faster than Verizon's over hyped LTE. Here's the difference in the two providers. When I leave an AT&T LTE area I just drop back to HSPA+ 4G, which is very fast. I hardly ever am on 3G. With Verizon once you leave LTE you're on their 3G, which is really 2.5G and slow. Also, if you happen to be talking when you change areas you'll be dropped as their LTE can't hand off to EVDO (what they call 3G, but isn't 3G). With AT&T you can seamlessly hand off from LTE to HSPA 4G to 3G to 2G should you change into all those areas while talking. You can also access data with a call open too.

Having said all of that how AT&T is in your area may be different from how it is in mine. As for what phone to get, if you like to always have the latest OS then the Google phone is the way to go. But if you want the state of the art phone that is moved the standards up a few notches take a look at the HTC One. I think once you see its build, take a look at the screen and hear sound from its speakers it will convince you to get it.

 

[blueanxiety]

Interesting that you post this - I am having the same questions. I'm most likely moving over to AT&T from Verizon. I've had it with Verizon and their phones are nothing compared to the HTC One.

 

[f150fan]

I had Verizon and it was the worst experience I've ever had with a cell phone carrier. Dropped calls, gaps in coverage and horrible customer service. With AT&T the coverage is better where I'm at and the data is very fast, faster than Verizon's over hyped LTE. Here's the difference in the two providers. When I leave an AT&T LTE area I just drop back to HSPA+ 4G, which is very fast. I hardly ever am on 3G. With Verizon once you leave LTE you're on their 3G, which is really 2.5G and slow. Also, if you happen to be talking when you change areas you'll be dropped as their LTE can't hand off to EVDO (what they call 3G, but isn't 3G). With AT&T you can seamlessly hand off from LTE to HSPA 4G to 3G to 2G should you change into all those areas while talking. You can also access data with a call open too.

Having said all of that how AT&T is in your area may be different from how it is in mine. As for what phone to get, if you like to always have the latest OS then the Google phone is the way to go. But if you want the state of the art phone that is moved the standards up a few notches take a look at the HTC One. I think once you see its build, take a look at the screen and hear sound from its speakers it will convince you to get it.

I have actually had the opposite experience with Verizon. Except when I first started with Verizon, I have never really had much problems getting a signal. I used to live right in the middle between two towers so I never really had a good signal at the house, but they added another tower in the area and I never had a problem afterwards. My main reasons for going back to AT&T (had it a loooonnnngggg time ago) is that my whole family has AT&T. Most of my friends are on there as well. It also makse things easier for enjoying a true Nexus device, not what the Galaxy Nexus was on Verizon. I have been hearing good things from people who have it around here but I was also wanting to get everyone else's opinion as well. It is much easier to enjoy flagship phones on a GSM carrier than with a CDMA carrier.

 

[f150fan]

Interesting that you post this - I am having the same questions. I'm most likely moving over to AT&T from Verizon. I've had it with Verizon and their phones are nothing compared to the HTC One.

I am also thinking about the HTC One as well as the Nexus 4. I have grown to really like stock Android. Those timely updates are very nice too. I want to wait until Google I/O to make sure that nothing else is in the pipeline before I make a decision. I like some of the things that the Galaxy S4 offers but it is also pretty over-hyped, IMO.

 

[xpeacemaker]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm considering leaving Verizon. I've loved Verizon for a long time. The butchery of my Galaxy Nexus has really pushed me over the edge though. Not only are costs increasing (on the (already) most expensive carrier in the US) but they are not allowing innovation take place on the carrier.

Every device has to be unlocked? 3G moves as a snails pace.

In regard to CS and service, I have nothing but good things to say. Service has been wonderful. Customer service is always willing to help me out. I like that. But right now, I'm all about my smart phone and they aren't offering me choices that satisfy my need. My biggest worry with AT&T is the service & CS. I'm not sure how the service is in my area.

If I were to switch, I'm not sure which phone I would go to. I love stock android. I love ROMs. I don't love the Galaxy Note or S4 design. It's too square for me. I do love the features and hardware they boast. I love the HTC One, but don't love the outdated OS. I might end up with another Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4. Not sure yet.

 

[cgardnervt]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm considering leaving Verizon. I've loved Verizon for a long time. The butchery of my Galaxy Nexus has really pushed me over the edge though. Not only are costs increasing (on the (already) most expensive carrier in the US) but they are not allowing innovation take place on the carrier.

Every device has to be unlocked? 3G moves as a snails pace.

In regard to CS and service, I have nothing but good things to say. Service has been wonderful. Customer service is always willing to help me out. I like that. But right now, I'm all about my smart phone and they aren't offering me choices that satisfy my need. My biggest worry with AT&T is the service & CS. I'm not sure how the service is in my area.

If I were to switch, I'm not sure which phone I would go to. I love stock android. I love ROMs. I don't love the Galaxy Note or S4 design. It's too square for me. I do love the features and hardware they boast. I love the HTC One, but don't love the outdated OS. I might end up with another Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4. Not sure yet.

After having all 3 carriers I have found att to be the best to be honest. But maybe it's just my luck. I have also have next to no issues as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Android Central Forums

 

[f150fan]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm considering leaving Verizon. I've loved Verizon for a long time. The butchery of my Galaxy Nexus has really pushed me over the edge though. Not only are costs increasing (on the (already) most expensive carrier in the US) but they are not allowing innovation take place on the carrier.

Every device has to be unlocked? 3G moves as a snails pace.

In regard to CS and service, I have nothing but good things to say. Service has been wonderful. Customer service is always willing to help me out. I like that. But right now, I'm all about my smart phone and they aren't offering me choices that satisfy my need. My biggest worry with AT&T is the service & CS. I'm not sure how the service is in my area.

If I were to switch, I'm not sure which phone I would go to. I love stock android. I love ROMs. I don't love the Galaxy Note or S4 design. It's too square for me. I do love the features and hardware they boast. I love the HTC One, but don't love the outdated OS. I might end up with another Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4. Not sure yet.

I'm in the exact same place as you. I too have the butchered Galaxy Nexus as well. I love stock Android but don't currently have the need to root or ROM my phone. I'm thinking the Nexus 4 would work just fine for however I'm probably going to wait until after Google I/O to make sure that there isn't any better goodies out there coming soon.

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[f150fan]

After having all 3 carriers I have found att to be the best to be honest. But maybe it's just my luck. I have also have next to no issues as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Android Central Forums

I've been hearing good things about AT&T lately and think that GSM is the way to go anymore. Verizon's CDMA network has been great for me but GSM is should be much easier on my nerdism. Lol.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[21stNow]

I currently have a tablet on VZW and a couple of phones on AT&T. I have to say that I like AT&T better than Verizon Wireless. There's only one place that I go that I have data coverage with VZW and I don't have it with AT&T; that is deep inside of my church's basement. Other than that, I have good coverage in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. In all other places, my data on AT&T's LTE network is much faster than my data on VZW's network. I prefer AT&T's customer service over VZW's. Verizon Wireless service reps are as sweet as pie but only as helpful as pie, as well. AT&T's reps are usually nice enough and can resolve most issues that I call in about.

The two areas that have shown consistent problems were getting unlock codes for phones and new changes in policies and the rep training related to those changes. If you're on this forum, you may be the type of person that wants things as soon as AT&T makes them available. This is a problem many times, because the change and how to do it may not have made it to all reps on the first day. This has sometimes been related to unlocking phones; if AT&T changes a policy and you can get your phone unlocked today whereas you couldn't yesterday, be prepared to wait a couple more weeks so that everyone will be trained on how to do this. The other issue has been that they call phones exclusive that are not exclusive, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III. AT&T doesn't unlock exclusive phones for at least six months.

In the overall scheme of things, the above have not been major issues, and I prefer AT&T. The biggest reason that I can say that is because most times that I've called AT&T have been for issues/questions that I had or caused. However, all of my calls to Verizon Wireless' customer service have been for issues that they created in the first place.

As for phones, the Nexus 4 is a great device. Keep in mind that you will not have access to AT&T's LTE network unless you make some modifications to the device. I have heard that these changes are illegal, but I doubt that the FCC will come knocking at your door for these.

 

[f150fan]

I currently have a tablet on VZW and a couple of phones on AT&T. I have to say that I like AT&T better than Verizon Wireless. There's only one place that I go that I have data coverage with VZW and I don't have it with AT&T; that is deep inside of my church's basement. Other than that, I have good coverage in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. In all other places, my data on AT&T's LTE network is much faster than my data on VZW's network. I prefer AT&T's customer service over VZW's. Verizon Wireless service reps are as sweet as pie but only as helpful as pie, as well. AT&T's reps are usually nice enough and can resolve most issues that I call in about.

The two areas that have shown consistent problems were getting unlock codes for phones and new changes in policies and the rep training related to those changes. If you're on this forum, you may be the type of person that wants things as soon as AT&T makes them available. This is a problem many times, because the change and how to do it may not have made it to all reps on the first day. This has sometimes been related to unlocking phones; if AT&T changes a policy and you can get your phone unlocked today whereas you couldn't yesterday, be prepared to wait a couple more weeks so that everyone will be trained on how to do this. The other issue has been that they call phones exclusive that are not exclusive, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III. AT&T doesn't unlock exclusive phones for at least six months.

In the overall scheme of things, the above have not been major issues, and I prefer AT&T. The biggest reason that I can say that is because most times that I've called AT&T have been for issues/questions that I had or caused. However, all of my calls to Verizon Wireless' customer service have been for issues that they created in the first place.

As for phones, the Nexus 4 is a great device. Keep in mind that you will not have access to AT&T's LTE network unless you make some modifications to the device. I have heard that these changes are illegal, but I doubt that the FCC will come knocking at your door for these.

Yeah, I know that I won't have LTE, and I am pretty sure that I'm OK with that, for now. I have LTE devices on Verizon and only use it when I think it is necessary, otherwise I just stick to 3G. I would rather have the extra battery life then be able to rack up data on LTE. I do like how fast it is but for me it is not necessary. I just played with a plethora of new phones as well as the Nexus 4. I like how the Nexus 4 basically looks and acts like my 'fake' Galaxy Nexus on Verizon but actually works better. I also played with the LG Optimus G and Optimus G Pro, the HTC One, and the Galaxy S4. All of these are great devices. The screen on the Optimus Pro is simply amazing. It was a very fast device as well. There were things that stood out from all the phones that I played with but I am not sure which way I want to go yet. I am going to wait until Google I/O just to make sure that nothing else is talked about or shown off until I make my decision.

 

[snobrdr2324]

I was in the same boat as everyone here, I was on Verizon and was sick of them as a company any lack of phones combined with my general hate of CDMA. I took the dive about a week or so ago on a grandfathered unlimited plan I took over and I have been happy so far. The coverage isn't as good as Verizon but I have yet to notice enough of a difference between the two to make Verizon the better choice for me. I have an iPhone 5 now and plan to buy the nexus 4 assuming nothing Is announced today and enjoy the beauty that is GSM. Verizon's slightly better coverage doesn't make dealing with CDMA worth it. So if anyone is on the fence I can say I didn't regret going to ATT at all even knowing Verizon has the better coverage still.

 

[Scott Kenyon]

I'm pretty sure I'm about to jump the Verizon ship too. I've been considering this, and the HTC One debacle kickstarted this. It's no longer about the phone, but about a lot of things. Price, service, speed, etc. Also something Ashley Esqueda said on her most recent Techfoolery podcast. This will cost a little more money, just as she said, but to give your money to a carrier that doesn't make both the customer and the OEMs bend over backwards for THEM to make money is a better situation. Also the above mentioned LTE to HSPA handoffs instead of horrible CDMA. Having the ability to buy an international phone or Nexus device and simswap is awesome.
The downside to this is the financial part for me right now. I'm financially fine, however the extra money to swap carriers isn't right there atm. I'm afraid if I don't do it now I'll lose my ambition and anger that's driving me to make a decision that is probably better long term. The question I have to answer is do I really want to sell my Note 8 and be without my goto device at home for 2 weeks. It's tough! Thoughts/opinions?

 

[cohoman]

I live in the Seattle, WA area and I recently switched from Sprint to AT&T. I was tired of waiting for LTE service to get turned on in my area, and sick of the super slow 3g (if even that) data speeds. AT&T LTE is turned on all over Seattle, and I get great speeds with my new HTC One. Even in areas with no LTE, my phone will drop down to HSPA+ which is still pretty fast. I'm very happy to have switched.

Also, AT&T has a promotion going now where they will accept smartphones for trade-in and give you a minimum of $100. I traded in three smartphones (one was 1-year old, and the other two were 3-4 years old) and I got total of $300 credit on my account. A nice incentive that may help ease any cost of jumping ship.

 

[coryh131]

I live in the Seattle, WA area and I recently switched from Sprint to AT&T. I was tired of waiting for LTE service to get turned on in my area, and sick of the super slow 3g (if even that) data speeds. AT&T LTE is turned on all over Seattle, and I get great speeds with my new HTC One. Even in areas with no LTE, my phone will drop down to HSPA+ which is still pretty fast. I'm very happy to have switched.

I live in Tacoma and work in Seattle and switched from Verizon to AT&T. I agree with Cohoman - I get LTE everywhere I go (not just in Seattle) and if I don't it's still way faster than 3G. I prefer AT&T network over here....unless I'm traveling to Eastern Washington. In Eastern Washington I get very limited reception with AT&T while Verizon gets reception everywhere.

Ultimately it depends on where you live.

 

[f150fan]

I was in the same boat as everyone here, I was on Verizon and was sick of them as a company any lack of phones combined with my general hate of CDMA. I took the dive about a week or so ago on a grandfathered unlimited plan I took over and I have been happy so far. The coverage isn't as good as Verizon but I have yet to notice enough of a difference between the two to make Verizon the better choice for me. I have an iPhone 5 now and plan to buy the nexus 4 assuming nothing Is announced today and enjoy the beauty that is GSM. Verizon's slightly better coverage doesn't make dealing with CDMA worth it. So if anyone is on the fence I can say I didn't regret going to ATT at all even knowing Verizon has the better coverage still.

This is pretty much where I am, except I haven't decided exactly which phone to get. I am still leaning towards the Nexus 4 but not entirely sure yet. The one thing that I know I would be doing is going with a contract with my fiance so I have the ability to get a subsidized phone with them. This offers up a few great devices for cheaper than the Nexus 4. But I do like being cut away from the carrier by not having their hands all over the updates to the phone. This is where my nerd head will not let me make a decision very quickly. Lol.